Introduction:

Hydrogen and Carbon atoms can combine in many ways to make useful chemical fuels. The simplest kind of hydrocarbon is known as an "alkane" and we will learn the first ten in the series. Honors students will go further and determine the complex names of alkane isomers.

Activity:

• Watch this introductory slide show to learn about the first ten alkanes.

• Practice matching Models, Formulas, and Names for the first ten alkanes in the activities linked below.
  • Match Diagrams and Formulas
  • Match Formulas and Names
  • Match Names and Diagrams
• Watch this advanced slide show to learn about the complex naming system for alkane isomers.

• Before you try the CE3 Exercise, see if you can build:
  • 2-methyl-butane
  • 3-ethyl-hexane
  • 2,2-dimethyl-pentane
  • 2,3,4-trimethyl-heptane

Assessment

1 Quality Point

Exercise is attempted with some success.

2 Quality Points

Exercise is attempted, and mostly successful.

3 Quality Points

Exercise is fully successful, regardless of number of attempts.

4 Quality Points

Exercise is supplemented with a coherent summary of the skills developed. NEW: Submit this summary by email.

5 Quality Points

Exercise is supplemented with two distinct complex isomers of decane, correctly named. NEW: Submit this summary by email.